Frequently Asked Questions

As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your son. As he takes a huge step in his life going away to school, it’s important to keep in mind that the lessons you have taught him through the years are the tools he needs to start making his own positive decisions.

If your son has made the decision to join a fraternal organization, it is a commitment that warrants not only serious thought, but your support as well. By deciding to become a lifelong member of Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity, your son is taking another huge step that will positively affect nearly every aspect of his life, both as an undergraduate and as an alumnus.

We’re excited to have your son as a member, and we’re glad that you’re here to learn more about our organization!

Did you know?

Over 70% of students who join a Greek organization graduate, compared to less than 50% of all non-Greek students.

Less than 2% of an average college student’s expenses go towards Greek membership dues.

Over 80% of campus student leaders are Greek.

Phi Kappa Sigma members perform over 20,000 hours of volunteer service annually.

Over $7 million of philanthropic fundraising is raised each year by Greeks nationally.

The Greek system is the largest network of volunteers in the US, donating over 10 million hours of service each year.

There are approximately 9 million Greek members in the US today.

We are sure that you have questions, and we’re happy to answer them! Below are some of the common questions that we hear most frequently from interested parents; feel free to contact us to discuss anything that isn’t addressed below – our headquarters staff and volunteers would love to speak with you further.

What does Phi Kappa Sigma offer my son?

Membership in Phi Kappa Sigma comes with a number of benefits: a strong academic support network to help with the adjustment to a new environment, the development of leadership and communication skills by working closely to run a non-profit organization, increased philanthropic involvement in the campus and local communities, networking opportunities with a large alumni base, and a well-rounded social experience.

What is the new member process like?

Your son will go through an 8-week new member education program, where they will learn about the history, operations, and policies of both the international organization and local Chapter under the direction of Chapter officers. This standardized program has been refined by International Headquarters staff over the years, and is tailored to help new members acclimate to their new environment on campus by surrounding them with a strong support network. Upon the completion of this new member education program, your son will be initiated as a full member of the fraternity, assuming that he has met the 2.5 minimum GPA requirements. Once initiated, your son will be eligible for all of Phi Kappa Sigma’s officer positions, leadership development training, and attendance at national events.

How will Phi Kappa Sigma impact my son’s academics?

The new member education program is designed to help your son manage the transition to a collegiate environment. While there is an added time commitment any time your son joins an organization, Phi Kappa Sigma focuses on helping new members manage their time effectively through training workshops, oversight of each new member’s academic schedule, study groups, mentoring from upperclassmen, one-on-one tutoring, recognition programs to celebrate accomplishments, and more.

While there are plenty of campus resources available to help every student achieve academic success, each local Chapter has a vested interest in making sure each of its members maximizes their academic potential. Our Chapters can only operate if its members are in good standing in school, and that starts with structuring the academic support to help our members reach their full potential.

What about hazing?

Phi Kappa Sigma has a zero-tolerance hazing policy; the new member development program is designed to promote academic excellence, leadership skills, interpersonal communication development, and involvement in the campus community. Hazing is antithetical to our values-based organization, and our members recognize that.

Is being a member in Phi Kappa Sigma expensive?

Less than 2% of an average college student’s expenses go towards Greek membership dues.

Members are responsible for a few one-time fees from the international organization during the first year upon joining the organization; most recurring expenses are defined at the local level. Each local Chapter sets its own yearly budget, which subsequently sets the cost of dues that all members contribute.

If a Chapter has a house and/or a meal plan, those costs will typically be on par with campus costs, if not significantly lower. The vast majority of our members actually save money by joining Phi Kappa Sigma, by taking advantage of lower costs of housing, parking, meals, sharing resources (such as textbooks), and more.

What oversight does each local Chapter have?

While each Chapter has its own set of local by-laws that they have drafted themselves, all Chapters are governed by the national Constitution & Acts of Phi Kappa Sigma, which have been drafted and refined by the Executive Board and the democratic process of the national convention. Chapters elect members to officer positions that oversee the daily operations of the local Chapter.

At the local level, each Chapter has an Advisor, and most Chapters have an Advisory Board, which provide alumni oversight on a local basis. Additionally, most campuses have a Greek Advisor, which is a campus staff position responsible for the Greek community on that specific campus.

At the national level, all Chapters are supported by the International Headquarters team, which are full-time staff positions, and the democratically elected Executive Board, which are volunteers.